She was one of the CNMI students who won gold medals in the recently held 8th Annual Chamorro Language Competition on Guam.
Competing against five students from public and private schools, Camacho, 13, won first place in the oratorical contest for middle schools.
She received a trophy, a gold medal and a certificate.
“I was so confident in the competition but I didn’t expect to win,” she said.
Camacho said her mother, who also competed in oratorical contests as a student, has been her inspiration.
“She is my mentor,” Camacho told Variety.
Camacho is the daughter of Anthony and Tess Camacho.
Since third grade, Kimberly Camacho has been winning the top prize in school competitions.
She has also competed in the National Junior Forensic League on Guam and in the states and won awards.
“I am really happy and proud of myself,” she said as she encourages other students to “try and join and do your best because it will not hurt you.”
Her mother said she always supports her daughter in her academic goals.
“I want her to speak well in Chamorro and English and to write and read well, too,” said Mrs. Camacho.
She said her daughter has a special gift in writing.
The recently held language competition drew the participation of hundreds of students from 44 schools in the CNMI and Guam who competed in spelling, drawing, storytelling, children’s choir, oration, poetry, chants, choral reading, essay, individual male and female singing, and dramatic cultural interpretation.
The other gold medalists from the CNMI were Jeremiah Hofshneider, Tinian Elementary School, spelling category; Thomas William Benavente, Kagman Elementary School, spelling; Keilani Barcinas, Sinapalo Elementary School on Rota, storytelling; Jeremiah Cruz, Tinian Elementary School, poetry; Jezreelyn Bulaklak, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, essay; Megan Cruz, Tinian High School, oratorical contest; and Cloe Hofschneider, Tinian High School, female singer.
Grace Christian Academy on Tinian and Tinian High School were also adjudged gold winners in choral reading, song with dance and dramatic cultural interpretation.
